Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/215

170 sent prisoners to Khosaove. He then invaded the country beyond Nisibis and pillaged it, taking a number of prisoners. Amongst the latter were eight deacons of St. Jacob of Nisibis, whom Manachihr ordered to be thrown into the sea, at which the saint was so enraged- that he solemnly cursed him and his country. Manachihr was visited by the vengeance of heaven for his cruelty, and died miserably; his country became barren and desolate. After the conclusion of these wars king Khosrove began to take a delight in hunting; and for the gratification of his favourite pastime, planted a large forest near the river Azat, which he called Khosrovakert after his name. Near it, on an eminence, he laid the foundation of acity, and named it Duin, which in Persian signifies a hill. To this he subsequently removed his court, which at this time was held in Artashnt.

While the king was engaged in the building of his new city, the northern nations again rebelled, incited by Shapuh, king of Persia, at the instigation of the old rebel Sanatruk. At the head of 20,000 men they entered Armenia, and devastated the country as they advanced. Khosrove hastily assembled his troops to repel the invaders. Placing himself at the head of the southern division of his army, he directed Mihran to join him with the Georgian